Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
Researchers successfully modified messenger RNA to override a 'red light' signal, producing a full-length protein instead. This breakthrough may aid treatment strategies for genetic disorders caused by premature stop codons.
African-Americans have a genetic predisposition to convert dietary PUFAs to inflammatory messengers, increasing risk for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The research highlights the importance of personalized nutrition, emphasizing that nutrients may be healthy or harmful depending on individual ancestry.
A validated scale measures concern about cancer in healthy people and evaluates the effectiveness of genetic counseling. The 'Escala de Preocupación por el Cáncer' tool is a reliable instrument for healthcare professionals to identify patients with high levels of fear, alerting them to preventive testing.
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with lower cancer risk (e.g., MSH6) and increased risk (e.g., MLH1, MSH2) for ovarian and endometrial cancer in individuals with Lynch syndrome. The study provides age- and gene-specific risk estimates for each tumor type.
Researchers have discovered a link between a variant of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) and an increased incidence of breast cancer. The study, published in BMC Medical Genetics, found that people with this genetic variant have a 30% higher chance of developing breast cancer.
Researchers use a genetically re-engineered herpes virus that selectively infects cancer cells, prompting them to secrete a biomarker that can be detected. The technology has the potential to improve cancer diagnosis and monitoring, especially in less developed parts of the world.
Scientists discovered a gene linked to angle-closure glaucoma (ACG), a medical emergency that can cause rapid vision loss. The gene's activity is associated with abnormal eye development and increased intraocular pressure.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation causing fatal developmental disease MOPD1, affecting fetal growth and brain development. The mutation is prevalent in the Ohio Amish population, with approximately 6% prevalence.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers shows that chronic inflammation can lead to cancer by stimulating the production of microRNA-155, which increases the rate of spontaneous gene mutations. This discovery suggests that reducing miR-155 levels may improve treatment for inflammation-related cancers.
The Tissue Organization Field Theory (TOFT) of cancer origin proposes cells as the primary cause, contradicting the widely accepted Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT). The authors argue that current SMT technologies are untestable and fail to explain observable cancer phenomena.
Researchers found a significant association between Parkinson's disease and an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma. The study, using the Utah Population Database, also identified a reciprocal risk for PD among individuals with these two cancers and their relatives.
Researchers found that heavy beer drinkers with a certain genetic variant were at higher risk of developing non-cardia gastric cancer. The study also showed that non-drinkers with the same gene variant had an elevated risk of gastric cancer.
A genetic variant has been linked to both longer telomeres and a reduced risk of bladder cancer, according to researchers. The study found that the variant, rs398652, was associated with a 19% reduction in bladder cancer risk.
Research suggests that most second cancers are due to lifestyle and genetics, not radiotherapy. The study found an estimated 8% proportion of second cancers related to radiotherapy, with higher risks for younger patients and organs exposed to higher radiation doses.
Using genomic analysis, researchers have discovered a key role for E2F2 gene activation in increasing the risk of breast cancer relapse. The study also found that removing this gene can significantly decrease tumor growth and improve treatment outcomes.
A new patented therapy has been developed by WSU researcher Dr. Karli Rosner, which uses genetic constructs to target cancer cells and induce apoptosis, eliminating the need for external medications. The treatment shows promise in treating various types of cancers, including melanoma, prostate, lung, and breast cancers.
Scientists identified two distinct repressor proteins that use different molecular mechanisms to halt gene expression during development. This study may hold the key to explaining how diseases like cancer and diabetes are caused by genes unable to shift gears properly. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers can begin to see how...
Researchers discovered that targeting cancer-related pathways can treat congenital heart disease, with one drug reversing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in mouse models. Two drugs, an immunosuppressant and anti-cancer agent, were found to be effective in preventing and reversing the condition.
The University Hospitals system has implemented a successful approach to stroke care, increasing the use of tPA therapy for ischemic stroke patients by 13.5 times. The System Stroke Program (SSP) educated community hospital staff and ensured timely treatment, resulting in better patient outcomes.
A new study has identified interleukin 15 as a key trigger for the development of celiac disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Blocking this molecule could potentially prevent the disease, and its effects on inflammatory intestinal diseases may also offer new insights into treating conditions like acne and rheumatoid arthritis.
A novel form of personalized therapy using genetically engineered anti-tumor immune cells shows promising results in treating metastatic melanoma and synovial cell sarcoma. The technique, called adoptive immunotherapy, resulted in response rates of 45% and 67% in malignant melanoma and synovial cell sarcoma patients, respectively.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that genetic mutations in brain tumors can alter their metabolism. This study found over 100 metabolites with altered concentrations in cells with the defective IDH1 or IDH2 genes, providing promising avenues for future research into new treatments.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre solved two cold cases using genetic studies, identifying a gene responsible for rare cancer and thyroid disease. The findings provided answers for families affected by the diseases, including information on screening tests and risk for future generations.
Scientists discovered that broccoli's cancer-fighting compounds target the p53 gene, which is often mutated in human cancers. Isothiocyanates from broccoli may remove the defective protein, leaving normal cells intact, paving the way for new cancer treatments.
A contagious cancer found in dogs, wolves, and coyotes can repair its genetic mutations by adopting genes from its host animal. The cancer steals tiny DNA-containing powerhouses called mitochondria from infected cells to incorporate as its own.
Scientists have developed a stable RNA nanoparticle that can power biological motors and resist enzyme breakdown, paving the way for RNA nanotechnology applications. This innovation could lead to new treatments for cancer, viral, and genetic diseases.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have unraveled the relationship between MITF and ATF2, a transcription factor involved in melanoma development. The study reveals that the ratio of ATF2 to MITF in melanoma cells can predict survival in melanoma patients.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins and VCU have developed a nanoparticle-based gene 'ignition switch' to detect and treat cancer. The promoter-based system activates specific genes only in cancer cells, showing a 30-fold difference in identification.
Reproductive scientists have successfully created male and female mice from two fathers using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This breakthrough could pave the way for preserving endangered species and improving livestock breeds, as well as advancing human assisted reproductive technology (ART).
A study suggests that women with a personal history of breast cancer should consider annual MRI screening to detect cancers earlier. The research found higher cancer yields and lower false-positive rates in this group, supporting the consideration of MRI as an adjunct to mammography.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered that the gene AEG-1 promotes cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy by regulating protective autophagy. Inhibiting AEG-1 expression may lead to effective treatments for aggressive cancers, such as breast and prostate carcinomas.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals the unique role of EZH2 enzyme in cancer, facilitating the development of selective small molecule therapeutics for specific forms of human lymphomas. The research highlights the importance of targeting HMTs in genetically-defined cancer patients with high unmet needs.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that an individual's normal genetic constitution plays a key role in driving changes in tumors during cancer development. The study compared genetic profiles of tumors from the same individual with those from other individuals, revealing similar yet distinct patterns of DNA changes.
The Seattle Cancer Consortium Breast SPORE initiative aims to improve breast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment through four scientific projects. These projects focus on developing targeted therapies for drug-resistant tumors, with the goal of providing unique treatment options that are developed from cutting-edge science.
Dr Ross Dickins, a leading cancer researcher at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, has been awarded a $975,000 fellowship from the Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation. The fellowship will support his work on identifying the normal function of genes recently implicated in leukemia.
A recent study found that patients with MUTYH-associated polyposis have a statistically significant better survival rate than those with colorectal cancer from the general population. The five-year survival rate for MUTYH-associated polyposis was 78%, compared to 63% for control patients.
A new mutation in the B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) has been identified as a potential contributor to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The mutation amplifies BAFF signaling, leading to increased B cell function and cancer progression.
A recent study by VCU Massey Cancer Center found that 21% of terminally ill cancer patients are eligible for genetic testing, yet none received it. This highlights the need for genetic services and patient education among dying cancer patients.
Women who inherit BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations from their father are at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, yet this risk is often overlooked. A study found that patients with a paternal family history of cancer were 5 times more likely to be referred for genetic testing than those with a maternal family history.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed new stem-cell and gene-therapy techniques to treat Fanconi anemia, a fatal genetic blood disease. The three-year grant aims to create induced pluripotent stem cells from patient skin or tissue and transform them into genetically repaired hematopoietic stem cells.
New study suggests that high levels of NOS2 are a predictor of survival in patients with ER-negative breast tumors and may be a good target for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, researchers identify the H-CDR3 antibody region as a potential key to treating pemphigus by targeting it with specific therapy. However, genetic inactiva...
USC professor Andrea Armani is developing a real-time nanolaser instrument to locate carcinogens and their induced changes in living cells. This technology aims to create personalized cancer drug delivery systems, potentially within 10-15 years.
A study by the University of Melbourne found that close relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 35 have a higher risk of developing other cancers. These include prostate, lung, brain, and urinary tract cancers, with increased risks ranging from 2 to 8 times higher than expected.
A new study found that genetic ancestry has no correlation with head and neck cancer stage or survival for African Americans. Researchers used genetic markers to estimate West African ancestry and discovered only 5% of self-reported African Americans had more than 95% West African ancestry, similar to Caucasians.
A team led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists created a molecule that prevents cancer genes from 'hearing' instructions, stifling the cancer process at its root. The research targets proteins issuing stop and start commands to a cancer gene, known as epigenetic reader proteins, for future cancer therapies.
Weiguo Cao's research aims to understand the mechanisms of DNA repair and its contribution to cancer prevention. The study will investigate two DNA repair pathways and explore how defects in these processes can lead to cancer.
A series of essays examines the challenges in determining effective treatments, benefits and drawbacks for patients, as well as consumers' right to their genetic information. The articles discuss controversies surrounding direct-to-consumer tests, genetically customized drug treatments and biospecimen use.
A new study found that physical activity can reduce the genetic predisposition to obesity by 40% in individuals with a higher genetic risk. The research, published in PLOS Medicine, suggests that even people at greater genetic risk of obesity can benefit from adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Researchers at Penn State University have created the first image of a protein interacting with DNA packed tightly into space-saving bundles. The discovery is expected to aid future investigations into diseases such as cancer and provide new insights into how cells regulate gene expression.
A newly formed advisory committee will review all federal breast cancer research efforts and develop recommendations for improving existing programs. The committee aims to expand opportunities for collaborative, multi-disciplinary research and advance the understanding of links between environment, genes, and health.
A recent study suggests that a new drug, Olaparib, can reduce tumor size in women with advanced hereditary ovarian and breast cancers, offering a promising targeted therapy approach. The Phase II trials showed significant shrinkage in tumor size and relatively mild toxicities.
A UCSF-led team has discovered a direct link between an inherited genetic mutation, developmental abnormalities, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare form of childhood cancer. The study found that germline CBL mutations are inherited in nearly half the families affected by JMML.
A study led by researchers at the University of Louisville found that individuals with a male first-degree relative with breast cancer perceive themselves as being at higher risk than those with a female relative. However, many lack awareness and discussion about genetic testing.
Researchers found that sulforaphane, a broccoli compound, reduces prostate cancer risk by affecting cells lacking the PTEN gene. In these cells, sulforaphane inhibits tumor growth and competitiveness. This study suggests potential therapeutic applications of sulforaphane.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center created a large battalion of tumor-seeking immune system cells that can locate and attack melanomas in real-time. The genetically engineered lymphocytes were injected into mice and found to kill the cancer within two to three days, paving the way for potential treatment in humans.
Two phase-2 trials demonstrate the efficacy of olaparib in treating advanced ovarian and breast cancer in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The higher dose of olaparib showed better treatment response rates compared to the lower dose, with ORR of 33% and 41% respectively.
Scientists found that p53 loss enables aberrant self-renewal of myeloid precursors, leading to acute myeloid leukemia. In experiments with living mice, the team demonstrated that a combination of p53 and Kras mutations confers resistance to chemotherapy and promotes aggressive AML.
An international consortium of scientists has identified 12 new gene variants linked to type 2 diabetes, with 11 influencing insulin production and one associated with the X chromosome. This discovery sheds light on the complex pathogenesis of the disease, which affects millions worldwide.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a mechanism by which an enzyme regulates gene expression and growth in melanoma cells. The enzyme selectively targets and degrades microRNA-221, a genetic component that helps melanoma cells thrive and resist chemotherapy.
A new gene on chromosome 13 has been identified as a potential cause of bowel cancer spread and progression. The discovery is based on a large family study that analyzed the genetic profiles of 81 family members over five generations.